R107 Resto / bodyshop in North of England

[Miss Ellie]

Just enjoyed my first summer with Miss Ellie, a 29 year old German girl that my wife approves my spending time with... I was hooked when the V8 first fired up.

In great shape mechanically - I had her checked prior to purchase by John Vines of classiccarinspector.co.uk who did a very thorough report in quick time and gave me confidence to take the plunge for a fee of 225 quid. She was main dealer serviced for the first 26 years by the principle owner and then for the last 3 at Indy Merc specialist James Leigh in Wimbledon. She has also been waxoyled at Rustmaster in Cheshire who did a very professional job.

Over the winter I would like to sort out some bodywork issues - notably paint bubbling just below where the soft top meets the body and a few spots of rust on sills - see pics.







This forum has been a great guide to my buying my SL and I would appreciate advice as I restore her over time - hopefully I can share what I learn along the way.

My first question is who you would recommend to do the bodywork, preferably in the North of England, but am prepared to travel for the right service.

Also should I go for what John Vines called an honest repair of the 7-8 places where rust / bubbling occurs, or should I go for the full respray? The car is signal red but seems to have faded in colour when compared to the richer red of the hard top. I have been advised that red is hard to match especially if faded and to go for the full breakfast. What do you think?

All advice appreciated

 

[hondo]

If you decide to go for respray you can almost be certain that once stripped down and under the top later of paint there will b hidden problems and expenses but if you plan on keeping the old girl long term there's no question it's better to go down this road

 

[trapperjohn]

Contact Ian Walker at TMS in Kirkham he has a great local guy. Ian is on 01772 681210.

 

[Miss Ellie]

Appreciate the replies - many thanks.

I see on other threads that fellow mbclub members have some experience of

Lloyds Autobody in Liverpool
TRT in Liverpool
Mercserve in Nottingham
Marrocco in Malton
CCBenz near Wilmslow

any up to date reports available please?

Thanks!

 

[SL300-24]

Martin Marrocco has done some great work, I would have a chat with him.

 

[Miss Ellie]

Thanks SL300-24

I had noticed Marrocco's were well liked.

I see we have the same R107 - and that you have R16's on there. Mine has the original R14 mexican hat rims and I dread replacing tyres as the prices for non-van tyres looks huge. Any advice in making a change?

 

[SL300-24]

Thanks SL300-24

I had noticed Marrocco's were well liked.

I see we have the same R107 - and that you have R16's on there. Mine has the original R14 mexican hat rims and I dread replacing tyres as the prices for non-van tyres looks huge. Any advice in making a change?

I have period AMG's on mine with Michelins all round. If you want to change the wheels then the later flat face 15" wheels are probably easier to get tyres for than the 14" ones.

Numerous 16" wheels will fit, but it depends on the style that you like. Personally I would keep the wheels as period as possible, modern wheels do not look quite right IMHO.

 

[Miss Ellie]

Thanks for the info - I like the mexican hat design so have looked for them in 15 inch rims (to allow a better choice of tyre) with little success as they seem to be quite rare.